Teresa M
When it comes to making informed choices these days, many mums-to-be would prefer the natural and organic path rather than a chemical-fuelled one.
Cutting down on caffeine, alcohol or nicotine is a discipline most expectant mothers will undertake for obvious reasons – and with the shift towards more natural methods during pregnancy and childbirth, the use of herbal tea in pregnancy maybe an approach you have considered.
Herbal teas have been renown for centuries for its health benefits and zero caffeine content so it’s no surprise that it is a popular choice for mums-to-be trying to cut down!
Taking certain herbs during pregnancy can benefit in many ways…
- they provide a good source of the vitamins & minerals such as calcium, iron and vitamin C that are essential for mother and growing baby.
- they can be incorporated into meals as well as being drunk in teas.
- they have minimal side effects (however ALWAYS make sure you check the SAFETY of taking certain herbs before using).
Symptoms Of Pregnancy
As if being woman in this world wasn’t tough enough already – we’re hit with a new barrage of challenges during this time that will test our limits of endurance and patience.
Yes, we will be tested mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually and physiologically and still come out smiling at the other end like a true warrioress.
Many women will feel the joys and (mainly) woes of pregnancy. For me, I loved being pregnant even though I felt most of the symptoms under the sun! Nausea kicked in during the first trimester, then itchy skin and swollen ankles in the second trimester, to fatigue; backache; insomnia and heartburn in the last trimester – it was a roller coaster ride of emotions of the highs with the lows!
Other common symptoms include:
- Anemia
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Cramps
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Heartburn
- Haemorrhoids
- High Blood Pressure
- Indigestion
- Insomnia
- Nausea/Morning Sickness
- Moods/Emotional Swings
- Skin Issues/Itchy Skin
- Stretch Marks
- Sciatica/Back pains
- Urinary Incontinence
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Vaginal Infections
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Oedema (swelling/swollen feet)
9 Safe & Recommended Herbs To Use
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Particularly useful during the LAST 3 months of pregnancy if taken as a food within the diet as it REDUCES BLEEDING.
Has high content of PROTEIN (contains 8 essential amino acids); VITAMINS A, E, K, D & B6.
Also helps in the production of BREAST MILK.
Burdock (Arctium lappa)
A natural BLOOD PURIFIER that helps clear congestion in the circulatory, respiratory, lymphatic & urinary systems. Also a LIVER STRENGTHENER by removing toxic waste materials & helps with DIGESTION. Strengthens & tones the UTERUS before & after birth.
Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis; Matricaria chamomilla)
Nicknamed the 'All Around Comforter' and an incredibly versatile herb. It is an all time favourite for calming ANXIETY & soothing IRRITABILITY. It is an excellent yet gentle 'sedative' that helps with RELAXATION & INSOMNIA. Also calms the DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. Contains 'anti-spasmodic' properties that can be useful for MORNING SICKNESS.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
An excellent source of VITAMIN A (preventing & fighting infections). Strengthens & cleanses the LIVER by stimulating bile production. Contains high levels of POTASSIUM & rich in IRON which can help with ANEMIA. Also helps regulate BLOOD SUGAR & BLOOD PRESSURE.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
It is primarily used in remedies to prevent motion sickness, NAUSEA & MORNING SICKNESS. Its 'stimulant' properties has a 'warming effect' on the body which is excellent in cases of BAD CIRCULATION, CHILBLAINS, COLDS or CHILLS. Can also aid with FLATULENCE & INDEGESTION due to its 'carminative' actions.
Lavender (Lavendula officinalis)
Popularly used as a 'sedative' & a 'nervine', Lavender helps to promote SLEEP, decrease ANXIETY & lifts the MOOD, which is much needed for those uncontrollable hormones! Its also used to soothe STOMACH issues & reduce EXCESS GAS due to its 'carminative' properties. Combines well with Chamomile for a truly relaxing tea.
Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Rich in IRON (which makes it an excellent BLOOD BUILDER) & VITAMINS C & K which are required during the child-bearing months. Especially beneficial for ANEMIA & FATIGUE in pregnancy. The leaves also assist the UTERINE MUSCLES. Can improve the quality & flow of BREAST MILK.
Oatstraw (Avena sativa)
Coming from the same plants as the oats we eat for breakfast, its one of the best remedies for the NERVOUS SYSTEM especially when under STRESS or feeling MENTALLY/EMOTONALLY exhausted. A milky bath soak with this herb can help soothe ITCHY BELLIES. Also rich in CALCIUM & MAGNESIUM & helps with healthy muscle function.
Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)
Has a long tradition of use in pregnancy & labour to STRENGTHEN & TONE THE UTERUS due to a compound called 'fragarine.' Its also rich in vitamins & minerals including VITAMINS A, C, E, IRON & CALCIUM. Many midwives & health professionals promote taking this herb ONLY DURING THE LAST 3 MONTHS of pregnancy. The herb can continue to be used after pregnancy as it SLOWS DOWN BLEEDING, IMPROVE THE TONE OF THE UTERUS & INCREASE BREAST MILK production.
If you are pregnant and decide to use herbs for the first time, it is advisable to consult a trained herbalist first. Pregnancy is not really a good time to experiment with herbs if you are a complete newbie!
The use of herbs for medicinal purposes during pregnancy can be more potent and concentrated than in foods and excessive amounts could be harmful to you and your growing baby.
Have you had to discipline yourself when pregnant and what did you have to give up? Have you used herbs during pregnancy before? Did you find it helped with your symptoms? I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences and comments on the topic.
Thanks for reading and if you liked the post, please feel free to share. Sharing is caring!
Peace be with you
Teresa
Thanks a lot for summarizing such an amazing content about herbal tea.
My wife is pregnant and she will give birth a baby boy in February, next year. I want to say that she drinks a lot of tea, especially now that winter has come in Romania and it is very cold. I did not know about the benefits of ginger. I will surely recommend it to my wife. In the last few days she felt pain in her legs and this tea will certainly help especially as it is beneficial for blood circulation.
Thanks and hope to see more posts like this.
Hi Nimrodngy
Congratulations to you both! Ginger has a whole host of health benefits attached to it and is a popular herb to use during pregnancy. No doubt it will help with her blood circulation due to its warming and stimulant effect.
I wish you both well in your journey to parenthood and hope you’ll visit soon.
Take care and peace be with you
Teresa
Thank you for your post about herbal teas that are safe to drink during pregnancy, Teresa. I love drinking tea, so I am happy to find out that few of my favorites (chamomile, ginger, and lavender) were listed in your post. I will remember it for when I get pregnant, and also try others that you recommended. Especially since I love to drink coffee too, and I will have to find healthy replacement for it…
Hey Katja
Great to hear your’re a fan of herbal teas as you’ve certainly come to the right place!
I’m a huge fan of coffee too as it does contain certain health benefits, although large quantities doesn’t help! Personally, I don’t think you’ll need to find an alternative to coffee as long as it’s drunk in moderation. One cup is enough for me per day and it’s one of the small pleasures and highlights that I look forward to every day!
Happy brewing and peace be with you!
Teresa
Wow, this is really good. I didn’t know that it is very beneficial to make use of some type of herbs. You have mentioned all the good uses of the herbs as well. My sister is pregnant right now so I will be very kind to share this post with her so she can learn all the good uses if all of these. Thank you very much for sharing this. Cheers!
Hi John
Really glad you liked the post and congratulations to your sister! Not only can herbs help with certain symptoms, they can be used as part of a healthy diet when taken in small amounts, thus giving your body some extra nutrients during this time. Hope she find the post useful.
Thanks for commenting and peace be with you
Teresa
I have a friend who is pregnant and she was told to make use of some herbs for an issue she has. I was wondering if it was right for her to make use of it and this is why I decided to do some research as well. A little mistake I made was to not ask which type of herb she was asked to use. At least now I know that there are some type of herbs that will work perfectly and some that will not
Hi Henderson
Glad you found the post useful. Feel free to share with your pregnant friend!
Have a great week ahead and peace be with you
Teresa
Women that are pregnant are told to eat this and not to eat that and other times to eat a little bit of that. Keeping track on what to and what not to eat can be rather daunting but one thing I do know is that herbs can definitely be of huge benefit to a pregnant woman due to its many health benefits but my advice is to always never forget to seek the advice of a doctor before taking herbal tea during pregnancy.
Hi Manuel
It’s important to seek advice from a trained herbalist if you’re using herbs for the first time in pregnancy. Although they have been used for centuries all over the world during pregnancy, childbirth and childbirth, herbs for medicinal purposes during pregnancy can be more potent and concentrated than in foods.
Thanks for visiting and peace be with you
Teresa
My sister is pregnant and I’ve been looking for some thoughtful stocking stuffers for Christmas. She loves lavender but is it a safe plant to drink or does lavender tea called that just because it’s purplish color? Hmm, maybe you could help me pick a tea for my sister that would make a good morning herbal tea? I want her to get the tea in her stocking which we open first thing on Christmas morning. Thanks for tips!
Hi there Heisenberg
You’re most welcome!
‘Lavender’ is the popular and common name for the plant, but depending on the species and genus, then the botanical name is used which in this case is Lavandula angustifoilia or Lavandula officinalis.
Lavender as a dried herb is safe to use in tea, however the oil should not be taken internally. It is safe to take the oil externally, such as a few drops in a bath or a few drops for massage (make sure it’s diluted in a carrier oil before use though).
How far into the pregnancy is she and is she feeling any symptoms? Perhaps knowing this could point you in the right direction of a suitable ‘pregnancy tea’.
Hope that helps and peace be with you
Teresa
Hey thank you so much for the awesome post! My wife is pregnant right now, and we have been looking for a good tea that will help her anxiety when having to visit the doctors so much. I really like the sound of the chamomile tea, because I know our local store sells it. Do you know if it has any negative side effects on the liver? She has issue with some medications like Tylenol that mess with her liver.
Hi Jessie
Your’re most welcome and congratulations to you both.
Chamomile is considered one of the safest herbs to take especially during pregnancy thanks to its anti-anxiety and relaxant properties. However, Chamomile is part of the Asteraceae plant family, which includes Ragweed, Asters and Chrysanthemum. If you are allergic to plants from this group, then it’s best to avoid using this.
Other cautions with Chamomile is that it contains natural blood thinners, so best to avoid if taking blood thinning drugs such as Warfarin.
When buying Chamomile, its recommended to buy German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita or Matricaria recutita), rather than Roman Chamomile (Anthemis cotula or Anthemis nobilis). This is because German Chamomile doesn’t have the allergenic compound which the Roman Chamomile (in some rare instances) contains.
Also when buying Chamomile, check that it contains only the flowers and not the stems or leaves as these have a lower content of the beneficial essentials oils than the flowers.
If your wife is pregnant and on certain conventional medicines, it’s best to consult a trained herbalist and get a full consultation before using herbs for medicinal purposes.
Thanks for your comments and I wish you both well in your journey to becoming parents.
Peace be with
Teresa
Great info and great layout! My wife is going through her second pregnancy now, and herbal tea is one of her favorite beverages. She normally likes coffee, but this has been craving tea again recently. She loves lavender and chamomile, and I think that ginger often helps with my headaches. Does anyone else have a favorite?
Hi Flynn
Congrats to you both and exciting times ahead! It’s great to her that’s she’s craving something healthy, especially with tea as it can also count towards her daily water intake.
My favourites have also been lavender and chamomile too. I like blending them both with some lemon balm and catnip for a Sleep Tea which is really soothing and fragrant. All the herbs for this Sleep Tea blend can be used during pregnancy too to help relax and get a good night’s rest.
Thanks for popping by and I wish you both well in your pregnancy.
Peace be with you
Teresa